WHERE STRENGTH MEETS COMMUNITY
MORE THAN A PLACE TO WORK OUT
Empower Fitness 716 is the rebranded evolution of AE FIT 716, a woman owned fitness business founded in Buffalo during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as a small personal training studio has continued to grow into something much more than a place to work out. What started in our original space is a belief that strength training is one of the most powerful tools we have for improving not only our physical health, but our mental health, confidence, quality of life, and ability to live well for years to come. Our philosophy has been centered in building strength through proper movement, thoughtful programming, and consistent effort, not quick fixes or short-term solutions. That approach and philosophy is being carried into Empower Fitness 716, as we move into our newly renovated 3,330 sq ft space inside the historic John Kam Malt House, located in Buffalo’s Black Rock community.
We recognize that everyone approaches fitness from a different place, with individual goals, needs and experiences. Maybe you’re just getting started, returning to exercise after time away, looking to rebuild your relationship with movement, or ready to challenge yourself in a new way. Maybe you’re looking to get stronger, change your body composition, improve your everyday function, manage pain, or simply feel better in your body. For women, strength training can also be an important part of navigating perimenopause and the changes that come with aging.
Whatever your goals or starting point, we believe you deserve an environment where you can feel comfortable being yourself, receive the support and guidance you need, and be appropriately challenged to become stronger and more capable.
As Empower Fitness 716 enters its next chapter, we’re expanding that philosophy beyond training. Our new space brings together small group training, recovery classes, and additional wellness services, reflecting our belief that health isn’t just about what you do during a workout. It’s also about how you recover, how you care for your body, and how you support your overall well-being. Our goal is to create a place where you can get stronger, feel supported, and build a healthier relationship with your body and your health at every stage of life.
APRIL ERSING
My fitness journey began more than 15 years ago when I discovered strength training, and it became one of the most transformative experiences of my life. It not only gave me a strong body, but just as importantly, it helped build my confidence, self-efficacy, and my belief in what I was capable of. The word Empower became meaningful to me through that process, because I recognized that the stronger I became physically, the stronger I became in every aspect of my life. Showing others that they can have a similar experience is central to why I coach today.
With a bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness and a minor in Exercise Science from Buffalo State College, along with my NASM personal training certification and more than a decade of professional experience, I have had worked with people of all ages and with a wide range of goals, abilities, and experiences, both independently and as part of training teams throughout WNY. I have also competed in bodybuilding and earned several competition titles. While my own training and competitive experience showed me firsthand how empowering strength training can be, my education and professional experience have deepened my knowledge and refined approach. What I now value most is using all of those tools to help others recognize their own potential.
After years of training and working in the fitness industry, I knew I wanted to create a space where I could share my passion and approach with others. That vision led me to open AE FIT 716, which has grown over the years into a community centered around strength, connection and personal growth. EMPOWER FITNESS 716 is the next evolution of that journey, built on the same foundation and coaching philosophy, while expanding my vision to include a greater emphasis on holistic wellness, recovery, and overall wellbeing. At the heart of it all remains my desire to help people become stronger, move well, live better, and feel empowered in their own abilities.
Education: B.S. Health and Wellness, Minor Exercise Science, Buffalo State College
Certifications: Certified Personal Trainer, National Academy of Sports Medicine
SHEANA RUDOLPH
CERTIFIED PERSONAL TRAINER
Sheana’s passion for fitness began over a decade ago when she decided to make meaningful changes to her health and well-being. Like many people, she initially struggled with the confidence and discipline to get started on her own. Working with a personal trainer at that time gave her the knowledge, support, and motivation she needed to take that first step. Through the challenges and successes along the way, she discovered not only the physical benefits of a healthy lifestyle, but also a sense of self-confidence and self-love she had never experienced before.
That experience inspired Sheana to pursue personal training so she could help others overcome their own obstacles and discover what they are capable of. While working as an LPN, she earned her personal training and group training certifications through the National Academy of Sports Medicine and has since gained experience working in several fitness facilities throughout the WNY area. She is now an integral part of our team, bringing her experience, expertise, and compassion to our fitness community.
Certifications: Certified Personal Trainer, Group Trainer, National Academy of Sports Medicine
IN THEIR WORDS
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